摘要：Background and Objective: Strenuous exercise triggers the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that exceed the body’s antioxidant defense system. This causes oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation , as indicated by an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, changes in leukocyte count and function and structural alterations of the skeletal muscle. This study aimed to determine the effect of purple sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas L.), which contains the antioxidant anthocyanin, on the prevention of oxidative stress after strenuous exercise. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 44 male Balb/c mice divided into 3 groups were orally administered different doses of an Ipomoea batatas L. ethanol extract (100, 200 and 400 mg kg1) before swimming as strenuous exercise for 14 days. By the end of the treatment, we histologically tested the gastrocnemius muscle and took blood serum from the mice. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The Ipomoea batatas L. ethanol extract significantly (p = 0.032) prevented changes in the leukocyte count and prevented an increase in the MDA level, muscle damage, centralized nuclei in muscle fibers, hypertrophy and hyperplasia to a less significant extent. Conclusion: Supplementation with Ipomoea batatas L. ethanol extract as an antioxidant after 14 days of strenuous exercise has the significant potential to suppress oxidative stress by preventing decreases in leucocyte counts. Further studies with larger sample sizes and improved procedures are recommended to obtain a complete understanding of the potential antioxidant effect of Ipomoea batatas L. on muscle phenotypes after strenuous exercise.
